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Afobe: I would have scored goals for Arsenal

Bournemouth striker Benik Afobe believes he would have scored goals for Arsenal if he had stayed at the club.

The 22-year-old, who signed for Premier League side Bournemouth in January, faces his former club Arsenal on Sunday for the first time since he made a £2million move to Wolves in 2015.

Afobe scored 23 goals in 48 games for Wolves ahead of his move to the south coast where he has hit the ground running for the Cherries, bagging three in four outings.

The former England youth international joined the Gunners at the age of six, however he was never given an opportunity in the first team under Wenger.

“I believe I would’ve [scored goals for them],’ he said. ‘That’s the story for another day. I’m not there any more and I don’t hold any grudges and say this could’ve happened or that could’ve happened. I’m in the Premier League now scoring goals so at the end of the day I’m happy.

“At six you’re still a baby really. They’ve played a big part in the way I play football, helped me progress as a player and I’ve got a lot to thank them for and I respect them a lot, but on Sunday I’ve got a job to do for my club here and there will be no friends.”

During his time at Arsenal, Afobe went out on loan to six different sides but Wenger never felt it was right to call on him.

“I don’t hold any grudges I’ve already scored three goals in my last three games so I’ve got nothing to prove to Arsenal,” he added.

“It was their decision to sell me and I’ve moved on. It’s been years now. I’ve got great friends there, I’ve got nothing bad to say about Arsenal. I would’ve liked to have got my chance but it didn’t happen.”